[Podcast #239] Tools to Buy Instead of Curriculum

Brave Writer Podcast

When parents map out the annual homeschooling budget, there’s a tendency to only focus on curriculum. In this Brave Writer podcast episode, we encourage you to prioritize tools that really bring learning to life. Plus, we give you tips on how to get them on the cheap.

The right tools make all the difference in having a happy learning life. We hope our suggestions spark creativity and joy in you and your kids! 

Show Notes

Affordability 

Keep in mind, there are ways to get many of these tools at low-cost.

  • A secondhand shop like Goodwill can be a great place to start.
  • Look for local tool libraries or traditional public libraries where you can check out items like sewing machines.
  • Buy in bulk (with the added benefit that then you always have what you need on hand).
  • Keep an eye out for informal groups like puzzle swaps.

And remember, family and friends are often happy to buy these kinds of tools as holiday gifts for your family.

Physical Tools

We give you a long list of tried and true tools that have made our homeschooling lives better. We group them into six buckets:

  • writing utensils,
  • art and handicraft supplies,
  • baking ingredients and tools,
  • science kits,
  • games and puzzles,
  • magazines and field guides.

Be sure to check out the Tools for the Art of Writing page on our website for some links.

Experiential Tools

We also give examples of experiential, rather than physical, tools that are great for homeschool families. We’re big fans of annual memberships to art museums, zoos, botanical gardens, science museums, etc.

Volunteering at local theaters or animal centers can be a great way to access fun learning environments. By returning to an experiential site over and over, your kids can deeply connect with the material and feel at home with it.

Resources

Connect with Julie

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Produced by NOVA Media

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